What is idolatry? CQ Kids

In the Bible, idolatry - worshiping false gods instead of the one, TRUE God - was often a big problem for God’s people, the Israelites. Time and again they witnessed all of the wonderful things He did for them. He delivered them from slavery in Egypt, protected them from their enemies, fed them manna in the wilderness, and provided capable leaders to guide them.

Through Moses, God gave them the Law, including the Ten Commandments. These were important rules to follow regarding the correct behavior towards God and the proper treatment of others. In fact, the First Commandment says, “You are to have no other gods besides me.” (Exodus 20:3, International Standard Version) The Second Commandment says, “You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea.” (Exodus 20:4, NLT)

Despite these two very clear commandments, they were often influenced by people from other regions who worshiped wooden (see Isaiah 44:13-15), stone (see 2 Kings 19:18) or metal images. (see Exodus 32, 1 Kings 12:28) These made up, fake gods couldn’t do anything, because, in reality, they were NOTHING - they didn’t exist!

When Moses was on Mount Sinai receiving the Law from God, the people grew restless. (see Exodus 32) Instead of patiently waiting for Moses to return, they told Moses’ brother, Aaron, to make them a god to worship! Shockingly, Aaron collected all of their gold earrings and formed a golden calf. They danced and bowed down to a useless piece of metal. God and Moses were understandably angry with this betrayal!

We are specifically told in 1 Corinthians (10:6,7, NIV): “Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting